Our weekly dose of warring armies, unruly dragons, and cunning courtiers might be soon coming to a close, but fans of the hit TV show Game of Thrones can rest easy – the show’s epic filming locations are still around, allowing travelers to relive their favorite moments.
The locations highlighted are fantastic destinations that will captivate both avid travelers and Game of Thrones enthusiasts alike.
Spoiler alert: This article contains a few plot details from the earlier seasons; if you aren’t fully caught up, you may want to proceed with caution.
1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
With its gleaming white-stone city walls and sunny seaside location, Dubrovnik on Croatia’s southern Dalmatian coast serves as an exquisite stand-in for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms and home to the Iron Throne.
Walking atop the old town’s remarkably well-preserved medieval walls, you can gaze out across the bay where the Battle of Blackwater was filmed. The Lovrjenac Fort transforms into the majestic Red Fort in this stunning setting. As you circle Minčeta Tower at the walls’ highest point, you’ll follow in Daenerys Targaryen’s footsteps as she attempted to enter the House of the Undying to rescue her dragons. Additionally, many more filming locations exist, and an organized tour ensures you don’t miss any of them.
A short boat ride away lies beautiful Lokrum Island, where scenes set in Qarth were filmed. Its peaceful forests and excellent beaches make for a magnificent day trip. Don’t miss the gorgeous Renaissance-style arboretum at Trsteno Gardens, just 13km northwest of Dubrovnik, where Sansa Stark met with Lady and Margaery Tyrell.
2. County Antrim, Northern Ireland
The dramatic shoreline and rolling countryside of County Antrim provided numerous locations for Game of Thrones. The picturesque village of Ballintoy served as Lordsport on Pyke, the island base for the Greyjoy clan. Along the coast, the harbor town of Ballycastle represented the Free City where scheming eunuch Varys was born. Inland, Dark Hedges Road, near Ballymoney, substitutes for the Kingsroad section where Arya Stark fled from King Joffrey’s soldiers.
The real landscape offers just as much drama, with attractions such as the famous Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The stunning walk along the Causeway Coast Way between these two sights showcases breathtaking sea cliffs and expansive sandy beaches.
3. Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Iceland’s grand, windswept landscapes serve as the perfect backdrop for scenes set north of the Wall, showcasing the wild northern reaches of Westeros. The Night’s Watch made their desperate stand against the wights at the Fist of the First Men, filmed on the Svínafellsjökull glacier in Vatnajökull National Park. This location also serves as the setting for various locations in the Frostfangs, the prominent mountain range covering much of the far north.
Visitors can explore glaciers, caves, and waterfalls in Vatnajökull National Park, which occupies over 10% of Iceland and is the world’s largest ice cap outside the poles. This natural beauty attracts serious hikers, climbers, and weekend adventurers from Reykjavik (around 250km to the west). However, accommodation within the park is limited; options include the Visitor Centre Campsite in Skaftafell or the nearby Magma Hotel.
4. County Down, Northern Ireland
County Down is where it all started: the opening sequence of Game of Thrones, featuring a patrol north of the Wall, was filmed at Tollymore Forest Park. Nearby, Castle Ward substituted for Winterfell, the home of the Starks, while Inch Abbey stood in as the Riverlands, where the northern army prepared to cross the River Trident.
Visitors to County Down will quickly see why it was chosen as a filming location; its rugged uplands and serene coast are among the province’s most appealing features. Hikers can enjoy exploring the Mourne Mountains, where granite hills are dotted with quaint cottages. The Brandy Pad – an ancient smugglers’ trail – offers a scenic route across the hills and Tollymore Forest Park, leading to Newcastle.
5. Split, Croatia
For Season four, filming took place in the coastal city of Split, located north of Dubrovnik. Klis Fortress and a quarry in Žrnovnica, both situated northeast of the city, served as backdrops for epic battle scenes featuring dozens of extras.
The primary filming location within Split was Diocletian’s Palace, one of the most impressive Roman ruins globally. Built in AD 295 as a retirement palace for Emperor Diocletian, this immense square fortress remains the lively heart of the city, filled with bars, shops, and restaurants within its ancient walls. To experience where the filming occurred, explore the cellars at the southern end of the palace, originally used for food and wine storage in Roman times.
6. Essaouira, Morocco
Astapor on Slaver’s Bay is where Daenerys Targaryen truly stepped into her power: freeing a legion of slaves, betraying their wicked owner, and commanding her dragon to unleash fire upon him. The coastal city of Essaouira stood in for Astapor, providing an atmosphere ripe for this dramatic scene with its old sandstone ramparts and scenic walkways.
In reality, Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most laid-back locations, attracting surfers for its familiar waves. Moreover, the city is known for its artistic vibe, with small studios and galleries populating its narrow streets. Visitors can purchase woodcarvings and other souvenirs or even participate in a woodcarving workshop to create their own unique items.
This article was originally published in April 2014 and updated in May 2019.
